Blue Microphone Nessie at Macworld|iWorld 2013

Blue makes legendary mics. That's according to Hillary Money, who spoke to us at Macworld|iWorld 2013. Their Yeti are frequently used by podcasters amateur and professional alike, and due to both those markets, Blue is amping things up yet again with the Nessie. Take everything you like about the Yeti, give is a sexy, serpentine new body, and add a ton of automagic-ness, and that's what you get.

If you're new to microphones, the Nessie will do all the heavy-lifting for you. It's got a built-in shock mount to prevent rumbling trucks, appliances, or machines from introducing noise, and a built-in pop-filter to cancel out p-p-puffs of expiration. Nessie also automatically applies audio processing that's smart enough to adjust to what you're trying to record, giving your audio the same treatment auto-focus, auto-exposure video's been enjoying for years.

There's also a raw audio option for pros, who know what they're putting in, and want complete control over what they're getting out. Combine that with a zero-latency headphone out for direct monitoring, volume, and an easy to get to mute button, and you have all the power of a supercar, with all the amenities of a luxury ride.

It even has an articulated "neck" so you can position it just where you like it.

It'll work with your iPad via USB to Lightning or USB to 30-pin Dock connector, or with your Mac or Windows PC.